A Royal Welcome at the Intercontinental David Tel Aviv
My days of being a Royal Ambassador are at least two years gone and I no longer have any status with Intercontinental. Yes, I’m an IHG Platinum, but you need to be an Ambassador or Royal Ambassador to get special treatment. I normally avoid Intercontinentals now, but for a one night stay on points, they had the best deal.
I saw IHG Elites get free internet and knew I wasn’t going to be there but to sleep, so figured it wouldn’t matter. Boy was I wrong. I wound up wishing I had several days there.
I had to wait a few minutes to check in around 8PM, but once at the counter things moved quickly and they were really friendly. I was never made to feel like my rate, and in fact, received a nice sized room far from the elevators with a great view of the beach.
And when I walked into my room, the first thing I saw (other than the fact it appeared fully furnished, unlike the Le Meridien) was a welcome gift of water, half a bottle of local wine, fruit, chocolates, and a welcome note.
Wow! All this for a lowly IHS Platinum. Kind of made me wish I was still a Royal Ambassador!
The bathroom had a similar color scheme as the Le Meridien, but was gigantic.
They also had really nice Dead Sea amenities — mud soap, mineral based body lotion, etc.
I was originally going to grab a drink at the highly reviewed bar downstairs with my friend, but instead chose to stay in my comfortable room and enjoy the complimentary wine. I know on my next trip to Israel I’ll definitely be wanting to stay here!
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Sometimes when you comment, it goes to a blank page and looks like it doesn’t post. It actually does, I promise!
Nice post. Thanks. Also what points rate did you pay for this hotel if you don’t mind saying?
It was 40,000 points, which given the free internet and better than basic room, I was thrilled with.
I’m glad one of the BA bloggers reviewed this, so thanks! What is the room type pictured? Was it an upgrade? Do all rooms have ocean views? I am considering this hotel for a 4-5 night award stay. I have also received good treatment in terms of upgrades and gifts at Intercontinentals as a Platinum, though usually on paid stays; I’m not expecting too much here.
It looked like most of the rooms would probably have at least a partial view of the ocean? My room was an executive king, though it was the weekend so the lounge wasn’t open. Since my stay I’ve heard really good things about others’ stays as well so I’d definitely recommend it –one of the best IC award stays I’ve ever had.